Coach Dom Capers said following Wednesday's afternoon workout that Payne could see playing time in the Aug. 27 preseason game at Denver.

Payne has not played in a game since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at New Orleans during the second week of last season, and he's only seven months removed from a third surgical procedure on the knee.

"I had been lobbying to play in Pittsburgh, and (the coaching staff) decided that probably wasn't a good idea," Payne said. "I feel like I'm ready to go."

He began working in team drills last week.

If Payne plays against Denver, he could see his most extensive action during the Sept. 2 preseason finale against Tampa Bay. That would allow him 10 days before the season opener against San Diego.

"I'm excited about getting some work against Denver," Payne said. "(The Broncos have) consistently one of the best offensive lines in the league. If you need to test yourself against the running game, Denver is the place to do it."

Glad to hear he is doing well,but I hope he doesnt come back to soon.He is a BIG man....and that translate into alot of EXTRA PRESSURE on the repaired ligament.Hopefully everthing works out well......he is a real asset to this team.

If he stays healthy, do any of you guys think that he can make the probowl this year? No doubt there will be a lot of competition.

I doubt it seriousely. I don't think Payne will return to 100% until next year. But, he started off last year like he wanted a trip to Hawaii very badly. I'm just glad to see that at this point, it looks like he will be on the field opening day.

I think he is a year away from 100% as well. He probably will not even play on artificial surface this year. He will sit out the games against the Lions and the Colts. This is the plan right now. He is wary of any kind of artificial surface. Can you blame him? When the team works out in the bubble, he comes outside and does his running on the real grass...

I would rather Payne miss the first few games versus risk reinjuring the ACL.

Where did you hear/see that Payne wouldn't play any games on artificial turf? This is the first I've heard of that.